Credit unions and small businesses: a perfect match.

When it comes to your personal financial needs, you want your bank to provide the lowest loan rates, the best terms, the lowest fees and definitely the best service. When it comes to your company's financial needs, why should you expect any less? One way to ensure that you get the most from your financial institution: Join a credit union.

Today, in the United States, there are almost 10,000 federally insured credit unions, with over $610 billion in assets and serving more than 82 million people. Most credit unions are full-service financial institutions, experienced at providing personalized service to their members with a broad array of financial products. Drawing on this service culture, a number of credit unions now offer these same top-quality products and services to small business clients.

Commercial Property Loans

Looking to buy or refinance a loan on an income-producing property, such as an apartment building, an office building or a retail center? Visit your neighborhood credit union--and don't be surprised if the service is friendlier and more personal than you would find at that big bank down the street. You may find lower rates and better terms, too.

If you would rather be a property owner than a renter, take advantage of the credit union's cooperative spirit and commitment to the community. Premier America Credit Union, as an example, has financed over $90,000,000 in commercial property loans.

Drive off with a Great Deal!

Credit unions are also a good place to go for competitive loan rates and flexible terms if you are in the market for commercial vehicles or light-duty trucks. You choose the buying route that's most convenient for you: 1) Apply for a loan at your local branch, 2) go directly to an auto dealership that offers credit union financing or 3) use the free credit union auto-buying service to locate and purchase your vehicle.

To get pre-approved for a loan before you start looking, apply online or at a credit union branch in your neighborhood.

If you would rather start with an up-close look at the latest models, visit a dealership that participates in the Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) program. Select your vehicle(s), negotiate a price and then ask the dealer for financing through the CUDL program. In just a few minutes, you'll find out if your loan is approved.

There are more than 1,000 CUDL dealerships, representing all major manufacturers. To find a dealership near you, call 1-888-CU DIRECT or visit the CUDL web site at www.cudirect.com.

Let Autoland Do All the Work

Autoland, the nation's largest credit union auto-buying service, offers its services free of charge to members of affiliated credit unions. Just a phone call away, an Autoland representative will search Autoland's network of dealers to find the vehicles you are looking for, use Autoland's volume buying power to negotiate a great price and help you with your credit union loan application.

You may visit the Autoland web site at www.autoland.com, call your Autoland credit union representative or contact Autoland directly at 1-800-234-6999.

Whichever way you go, when you go with a credit union, your vehicle buying experience will be easier than ever. And don't forget to ask your credit union about Mechanical Breakdown Protection, Debt Protection or Guaranteed Auto Protection.

The Credit Union Difference

While they may not have as many branches as the big banks, credit unions have been in the forefront in offering electronic services--such as 24-hour automated telephone banking, Internet home banking and electronic bill payment services. Members are welcome to conduct transactions or get account information from the convenience of their home or office. And when you do visit a credit union branch, you will enjoy the personalized service that credit unions are known to provide.

Cori Reminick is Marketing Manager for Chatsworth-based Premier America Credit Union. For more information about financing or refinancing California commercial properties, or about other small business products, call James Ritter, Vice President & Manager, Business Services for Premier America at 818-772-4146.